Carrying cases having amusement features

ABSTRACT

A carrying case has a storage section that has at least one storage compartment for receiving articles. An amusement feature is provided with the carrying case. The amusement feature can be an electronic device, or a non-electronic device. The amusement feature can be provided on an outer surface of the carrying case, on an inner panel disposed inside the storage section, on a pouch attached to the storage section, or at any internal or external location of the carrying case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to carrying cases, including backpacks,knapsacks, schoolbags, travel bags, hand bags, duffel bags, waist packs,note book cases, gym bags, briefcases, tote bags, luggage, tool boxes,lunch boxes, ice chests and others. In particular, the present inventionrelates to carrying cases have amusement features incorporatedtherewith.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As used herein, the term “carrying case” is intended to include anycontainer that can be carried by any child or adult, the container beingused to hold or retain virtually any item or object. These carryingcases can include, but are not limited to, backpacks, knapsacks,schoolbags, travel bags, hand bags, duffel bags, waist packs, note bookcases, gym bags, briefcases, tote bags, tool boxes, lunch boxes, icechests and luggage.

Conventional carrying cases have become increasingly popular, and theuses for these carrying cases have significantly increased. Bothchildren and adults have found new and interesting uses for carryingcases, and manufacturers have often even modified specific types ofcarrying cases specifically for use by children. For example, portableluggage items, such as tote bags or carry-on bags with wheels, have beenprovided in smaller sizes, in striking colors, and with animateddepictions of cartoon characters sewed thereon, for use by children.Unfortunately, most of these conventional carrying cases only serve asingle purpose, which is to store items and objects. Most of theseconventional carrying cases do not provide much, if any, amusement tothe user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying casewhich has an amusement associated therewith.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a carrying casehaving an amusement that includes electronic games and devices.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a carryingcase that can be used for additional purposes other than to carry itemsand objects.

The present invention provides a carrying case having a storage sectionthat has at least one storage compartment for receiving articles. Anamusement feature is provided with the carrying case. The amusementfeature can be an electronic device, or a non-electronic device. Theamusement feature can be provided on an outer surface of the carryingcase, on an inner panel disposed inside the storage section, on a pouchattached to the storage section, or at any internal or external locationof the carrying case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to oneembodiment of the present invention shown with its front panel opened.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrying case of FIG. 1 shown withits front panel closed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a speaker unit of theknapsack of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the speaker unit of FIG.4A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional view illustrating the electricalcouplings between the speaker unit and touch pads of the knapsack ofFIG. 3.

FIGS. 6-8 are perspective views of carrying cases according to otherembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the backing in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10-13 are perspective views of carrying cases according to otherembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the carrying case of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the carrying case of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17A is a side cross-sectional view of the carrying case of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 16.

FIGS. 18-23 are perspective views of carrying cases according to otherembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratinggeneral principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of theinvention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is aknapsack 20 that can have amusement features incorporated therewith. Theknapsack 20 enables hand-free carrying of books, lunch boxes, and otheritems, and is constructed of a front panel 22, side panels 24 and 26, abottom panel 28, a top panel 29, and a rear panel 30 interconnected witheach other, such as by stitching, to form an enclosed storage space. Thefront panel 22 and the rear panel 30 are substantially flat (i.e.,planar) and have a generally rectangular shape to provide the knapsackwith a generally rectangular appearance. The front panel 22 can beattached along peripheral edges thereof to opposed side panels 24, 26and the top panel 29 by a zipper 32 having at least one zipper tabinteracting with two intermeshing tracks, a first track 34 on theperipheral edges of the front panel 22, and a second track 36 extendingalong the side panels 24, 26 and the top panel 29. The side panels 24,26 and the top panel 29 can be designed to completely overlie the zipper32 to obscure the zipper 32. The front panel 22 can be pivoted about itsbottom edge 31 and the bottom edge 33 of the bottom panel 28, as shownby the arrows 35. Each of the panels 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30 (includinginner panel 46 described below) can be made from any fabric material(e.g., nylon, cloth, hard cotton), vinyl or leather.

A pair of adjustable straps 38, 40 are attached at ends thereof (e.g.,by stitching) to spaced-apart locations along the rear panel 30. Eachstrap 38, 40 can include conventional adjustment mechanisms, such as anadjustment buckle, which allows for adjustment of the amount of spacebetween the straps 38, 40 and the rear panel 30 to fit the wearer of theknapsack 20. In addition, a handle 42 can be secured to the top panel 29to allow the knapsack 20 be lifted and carried by hand. A storage pouch44 can also be stitched to the side panel 26 to function as a sidepocket for retaining certain smaller items (e.g., keys).

Although the above-described type and arrangement of panels 22, 24, 26,28, 29, 30, zipper 32, straps 38, 40, handle 42, and pouch 44 areillustrated in FIG. 1, these elements are standard in the manufacture ofknapsacks, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that manydifferent constructions, arrangements and elements can be provided forthe carrying case of the present invention.

The knapsack 20 further includes an inner panel 46 that can be coupledto the side panels 24, 26 and the top panel 29. For example, the innerpanel 46 can be attached along peripheral edges thereof to the sidepanels 24, 26 and the top panel 29 by stitching. Another zipper 48having at least one zipper tab interacting with two intermeshing tracks50 can be provided along the side panels 24, 26 and the top panel 29 toprovide access to a first enclosed space that is defined by the sidepanels 24, 26, the bottom panel 28, the top panel 29, the rear panel 30,and the inner panel 46. A second enclosed space is defined by the frontpanel 22, the side panels 24, 26, the bottom panel 28, the top panel 29,and the inner panel 46. Thus, the inner panel 46 can act as a dividerfor dividing the enclosed storage space into the first and secondenclosed spaces. The inner panel 46 can assume the same shape as thefront panel 22 and the rear panel 30.

The surface 52 of the inner panel 46 that faces the front panel 22 canbe provided with an amusement feature, such as a circular hoop 54 havinga net 56 of interwoven material strips. The hoop 54 can be pivotablysecured to the inner panel 46 using any known or conventional means,including but not limited to the use of mounting brackets (asillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,998, whose disclosure is incorporatedby this reference as though fully set forth herein), straps andstitching, or other mechanisms known in the art. The hoop 54 can bepivoted about the arrow 66 from the position shown in FIG. 1 (where thehoop 54 is generally perpendicular to the inner panel 46) to a positionwhere the hoop 54 is generally parallel to, and collapsed against, theinner panel 46.

In addition, a rectangular opening 58 can be cut from the bottom of theinner panel 46 and used as a soccer or hockey-type goal. The innersurface 60 of the front panel 22 can be provided with indicia 62 formarking a soccer or other field. It is also possible to provideremovable or releasable attachment mechanisms (e.g., opposing VELCRO™straps 64) on the facing surfaces 52 and 60 of the inner panel 46 andthe front panel 22, respectively, to allow the panels 22 and 46 to beclosed.

As a result, the knapsack 20 can be used by the user as a ball toss gamein addition to its normal usage as a storage bag. The user can unzip thezipper 32 to open the front panel 22, exposing the hoop 54 and soccergoal 58, so that the user can take a ball 68 (which can be stored in theknapsack 20) and either toss it at the hoop 54, or roll or kick the ball68 at the goal 58.

The knapsack 20 can contain additional features. For example, FIG. 2illustrates the knapsack 20 of FIG. 1 having another hoop 70 and net 72provided on the outer surface 74 of the front panel 22 in the samemanner as for attaching the hoop 54 to the surface 52. An open pouch orpocket 76 can be stitched to the outer surface 74 directly below thehoop 70 to catch or receive any ball 68 that has passed through the hoop70. An outer pocket or pouch 78 can be even be stitched to the pouch 76to provide additional compartmentalized storage space.

FIG. 3 illustrates a knapsack 20 a that is the same as the knapsack 20of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the inner panel 46 a is provided withdifferent amusement features. Therefore, the same numerals are used todesignate the same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 1 and 3, exceptthat an “a” has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 3. Inthe knapsack 20 a of FIG. 3, an electronic amusement feature is providedin the form of a speaker unit 90 that is coupled to a plurality of touchpads 92 by an electronic coupling path 94. The speaker unit touch pads92 and coupling path 94 are attached to the surface 52 a of the innerpanel 46 a.

For example, FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 illustrate how the speaker unit 90 canbe attached to the material of the inner panel 46 a. The speaker unit 90can comprise a housing that is made up of an outer shell 98 and andinner shell 100. A PC board 102 has a speaker 104 and associatedcircuitry (e.g., pads 106, chips that might include a processor, etc.,as is well known in the art) mounted or provided thereon, and can evenhave a power source (e.g., batteries 108) coupled thereto for providingpower to drive the speaker unit 90 and the touch pads 92 via thecoupling path 94. The PC board 102 can be positioned against the surface52 a of the inner panel 46 a, and then the outer shell 98 placed overthe PC board 102 and the surface 52 a, and the inner shell 100 placedagainst the rear surface 110 of the inner panel 46 a at the sameposition as the outer shell 98. The shells 98 and 100 can then besecured together (with the PC board 102 retained inside outer shell 98)by using screws 112 that are threadably inserted through correspondingholes 103 and 105 in the shells 98 and 100, respectively, and thematerial of the inner panel 46 a. The outer shell 98 can be providedwith a plurality of small openings 114 to allow sound from the speaker104 to be emitted therethrough.

FIG. 5 illustrates one method for electrically coupling the touch pads96 and speaker unit 90. A plurality of touch pads 96 are attached (e.g.,by glue or stitching) to selected locations on the outer surface 52 a ofthe inner panel 46a, and connected by electrical couplings 118 to eachother and to the speaker unit 90. The electrical couplings 118 thereforeform the coupling path 94, and in one embodiment can be wires. A fabricor other cover 122 can be provided which is configured or cut to followthe path created by the touch pads 96 and the wires 118. Specificindicia 124 can be stitched or otherwise attached to the locations onthe cover 122 that would overlie the corresponding touch pads 92. Thecover 122 is then stitched (along stitch lines 126) to the surface 52 aof the inner panel 46 a to cover and protect the touch pads 92 and wires118.

As an alternative, the electrical couplings 118 can be conductive paths.Each conductive path 118 can include the conductive lines, stripes,traces, compositions, inks, liquids, pastes, granules and colored inks,and can utilize the electrical systems and attachment techniques,described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,749 to Ferber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,657to Wiscombe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,948 to Ferber et al., and U.S. Pat. No.5,973,420 to Kaiserman et al., whose disclosures are incorporated bythis reference as though fully set forth herein, as well as anyelectrical systems and attachment techniques that are known in the art.One non-limiting example of a material that can be used as a conductiveink is a material sold under the tradename 102-05F by Creative Materialsof Tyngsboro, Mass. Other materials are described in one or more of U.S.Pat. No. 5,455,749 to Ferber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,657 to Wiscombe, U.S.Pat. No. 5,626,948 to Ferber et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,420 toKaiserman et al.

Each touch pad 92 can carry a different indicia 124 (e.g., character,letter, number, etc.), and all the touch pads 92 can together form apath for a game or activity. The variety and amusement value of thesegames and activities, including any computer-programmed games, willdepend on the amusement features provided with the knapsack 20 a. Ascreen (e.g., 91 provided in the housing of the speaker unit 90) caneven be used to display the results of these games, which can bemeasured by, for example, sensors on the touch pads 92.

As yet another example, the amusement features can provide the basis foreducational games. For example, the speaker unit 90 can broadcast tasksthat require a child to do a broadcasted task several times, and havingthe child count the number of times that the task has been performed. Asanother example, numbered graphics can be provided on the touch pads 92and coupled (via the conductive paths and wiring described above) to aprocessor on the PC board 102, which can control a game in which thedifferent numbered graphics are made to light up at different times, inwhich a child is to follow lighted graphics on the touch pads 92 in (a)moving about the path created by the touch pads 92, (b) recognizing andrepeating the lighted numbers, and (c) adding the lighted number to theprevious sum, among others. The speaker unit 90 can make announcements,emit congratulatory praises, or emit any other desired sounds or music.Other variations and themes for games utilizing numbered graphics arealso possible, and can vary based on the educational or otherobjective(s) that are intended to be accomplished.

As a further non-limiting example, the touch pads 92, screen 91 andspeaker 104 can even be the components that make up an interactivecomputer system that is capable of communicating (e.g., via wirelesstransmission as illustrated in FIG. 11 below) with other computingsystems. Thus, the carrying case 20 a can actually form an “interactive”or “computing” station for a user, where the user can use the touch pads92 as input devices, and the screen 91 as an output device, for playinggames, doing word processing, surfing the Internet, and communicatingwith other computing systems.

FIG. 6 illustrates a knapsack 20b that is the same as the knapsack 20 ofFIGS. 1 and 2, except that the knapsack 20 b is provided with differentamusement features. Therefore, the same numerals are used to designatethe same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 1 and 6, except that a “b”has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 6. In the knapsack20 b of FIG. 6, a game board 130 is provided on the surface 52 b of theinner panel 46 b. The game board 130 can be a fabric piece that isstitched on to the surface 52 b, or can be formed by a stitch patternthat makes up the desired game board design. In addition, a radio 132can be associated with the pouch 44 b. For example, the radio 132 can beprovided with a housing (having outer and inner shells) similar to thespeaker unit 90 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and attached to theouter panel 134 of the pouch 44 b in the same manner illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, so that the controls and dials 136 of the radio 132 canextend outside the pouch 44 b for the user to manipulate. As a result,the pouch 44 b can still be used for storage. Yet another amusementfeature associated with the knapsack 20 b is another electronicappliance 138 (such as a speaker unit, CD player, cassette player,screen display, etc.) that can be attached to the outer pouch 78 b inthe same manner that the radio 132 is attached to the pouch 44 b. Thus,the knapsack 20 b provides the user with a variety of differentamusement features: a game board for use in playing a game, a radio forlistening to music or the news, and another electronic appliance, suchas a CD or cassette player for playing the user's favorite music.

FIG. 7 illustrates a knapsack 20 c that is the same as the knapsack 20of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the knapsack 20 c is provided withdifferent amusement features. Therefore, the same numerals are used todesignate the same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 1 and 7, exceptthat a “c” has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 7. Inthe knapsack 20 c of FIG. 7, a stuffed toy 140 (like a teddy bear) canbe attached (e.g., by stitching) to the outer surface 74 c of the frontpanel 22 c. The stuffed toy 140 can house a conventional electronicplaystation, music machine, or other electronic device having, forexample, a processor utilizing technology that is well-known in the art.A user can insert game cartridges 142 into a game port 144 in thestuffed toy 140. For example, the game cartridge 142 can containrecorded music that can be played by a speaker 146 built in to thestuffed toy 140. Alternatively, the cartridge 142 can contain softwarethat controls movements of the arms 148 of the stuffed toy 140.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in theform of another knapsack 160. The knapsack 160 is similar to knapsack20, except that instead of well-defined panels 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, and30 interconnected with each other, the main body of the knapsack 160 isformed like a large pouch. In addition, the knapsack 160 has an upperlid or cover 162 having one end that pivots from the rear panel 164 tocover the top opening of the knapsack 160, and an opposing end that issecured to the front panel 166 by any conventional means used by bagsand handbags, such as by buckles, snaps, hooks, Velcro™ pads, loops, andthe like. A pair of adjustable straps 168, 170 are attached at endsthereof (e.g., by stitching) to spaced-apart locations along the rearpanel 164. A storage pouch 172 can also be stitched to the side panel174 to function as a side pocket for retaining certain smaller items(e.g., a notepad or cellular phone 176).

The outer surface 178 of the front panel 166 is provided with removableor releasable attachment mechanisms (e.g., VELCRO™ pads 180 as shown inFIG. 8, or hooks, straps, buckles, loops, etc.) for removably couplingone or more amusement features. For example, an electronic device 182(such as one or more of a mini game computer, a speaker, a CD-player, adisplay screen, among others) can be provided on a backing or support184 (see also FIG. 9). The backing 184 can be made from a hard fabric,cardboard, or any similar material that has sufficient rigidity tosupport the electronic device, yet is sufficiently lightweight. Theelectronic device 182 can be provided with a housing (having outer andinner shells) similar to the speaker unit 90 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and4B, and attached to the backing 84 in the same manner illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B. The rear surface 186 of the backing 184 can have acomplementary removable attachment mechanism (e.g., VELCRO™ pads 180)for removably attaching the backing 184 to the outer surface 178 of thefront panel 166. Thus, the knapsack 160 provides the user with thevariety and flexibility of changing the amusement feature on the frontpanel 166, since a plurality of different amusement features (electronicor non-electronic) can be provided for removable attachment to the frontpanel 166.

FIG. 10 illustrates a knapsack 20d that is the same as the knapsack 20of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the inner panel 46 d is provided withdifferent amusement features. Therefore, the same numerals are used todesignate the same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 1 and 10, exceptthat a “d” has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 10. Inthe knapsack 20 d of FIG. 10, a game board 190 is provided on thesurface 52 d of the inner panel 46 d. The game board 190 can be a fabricpiece that is stitched on to the surface 52 d, or can be formed by astitch pattern that makes up the desired game board design.Alternatively, a fabric piece having the game board 190 (or any otherpattern, indicia or design) provided thereon can be stitched to thesurface 52 d in a manner to form a sleeve. In particular, opposing edges194 and 196 of the game board fabric 190 can be stitched to the surface52 d, and an external pad 198 can be slid into the sleeve to function asa support for the game board 190. The pad 198 can be removed if desired.

The pad 198 functions to provide a solid or rigid backing for the gameboard 190 or other feature. The pad 198 can be made from a lightweightmaterial that is capable of providing sufficiently rigidity to functionas a game board or to support an activity thereon, and can includematerials such as, but not limited to, cardboard, plastic, a thin metalsheet (such as aluminum), wood, fiberglass, resin and foam, amongothers. The pad 198 can be provided in any desired size, but the pad 198should have a size that is at least large enough to provide a backingand support for the game board 190. The pad 198 can be provided in acorrugated form or with pre-folds 192 to allow the pad 198 to be foldedfor storage. Finally, the inner surface 60 d of the front panel 22 d canbe provided with small pockets 197 that can be used to hold game pieces199 or other articles.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention whichtakes the form of a travel carrying case 200 that can have amusementfeatures incorporated therewith. The carrying case 200 can be adapted tostore clothing and other luggage items during travel, or can even beused as a school bag. The carrying case 200 is constructed of a frontpanel 202, side panels 204 and 206, a bottom panel (not shown), a toppanel 210, and a rear panel 212 interconnected with each other, such asby stitching, to form an enclosed storage space. The front panel 202 andthe rear panel 212 are substantially flat (i.e., planar) and have agenerally rectangular shape to provide the carrying case 200 with agenerally rectangular appearance. The front panel 202 can be attachedalong peripheral edges thereof to opposed side panels 204, 206 and thetop panel 210 by a zipper 214 having at least one zipper tab interactingwith two intermeshing tracks, a first track on the peripheral edges ofthe front panel 202, and a second track extending along the side panels204, 206 and the top panel 210. Each of the panels 202, 204, 206, 210,212 can be made from any fabric material (e.g., nylon, cloth, hardcotton) vinyl or leather.

A handle 216 can be secured to the top panel 210 to allow the carryingcase 200 be lifted and carried by hand. A storage pouch 218 can also bestitched to the side panel 206 to function as a side pocket forretaining certain smaller items (e.g., keys). A second storage pouch 220can be stitched to the outer surface 222 of the front panel 202 adjacentthe top panel 210. A third storage pouch 224 can be stitched to theouter surface 222 of the front panel 202 adjacent the bottom panel. Anelectronic device 226 (such as one or more of a mini game computer, aspeaker, a CD-player, lights, a display screen, among others) can beprovided with a housing (having outer and inner shells) similar to thespeaker unit 90 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and then attached to theouter panel 228 of the pouch 44 b in the same manner illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B. A user can also insert game cartridges 230 into a gameport 232 in the side of the pouch 224. For example, the game cartridge230 can contain recorded music that can be played by a speaker 232.Alternatively, the cartridge 230 can contain software that controls theflashing or blinking of a plurality of lights 234. The interior of thepouch 224 can house a processor and associated electronic componentsthat allow game cartridges 230 to control the operation of theelectronic device(s) 226 using techniques that are well-known in theart.

In addition, the carrying case 200 includes a slidable handle 238 thatis made up of two parallel vertical sliding bars 240, and a handle bar242 connecting the top of the sliding bars 240. The sliding bars 240 canbe lifted up and locked in use, or can be slid downwardly into a sleeveor pocket (see sleeve 276 in FIG. 15, for example) in the carrying case200 to be retained therein. Such slidable handles 238 are well-known inthe luggage art, and are not described in greater detail herein. In thecarrying case 200, an electronic device 244 can be provided between andsupported by the sliding bars 240. For example, a mini-computer 244 canhave its housing either permanently (e.g., screwed or welded) to thesliding bars 240, or can have its housing removably coupled (e.g., byhooks, loops 246 as shown in FIG. 11, or VELCRO™ pads, among others) tothe sliding bars 240. Thus, the mini-computer 244 can be stored in thesleeve or pocket (such as 276 in FIG. 15) in the carrying case 200 whenthe sliding bars 240 are lowered and stored. In addition, an antenna 248can be electrically coupled to the mini-computer 244 via a bar 240 sothat the mini-computer 244 can be used for wireless (e.g., RF)communication with another remote computer.

Thus, the carrying case 200 provides the user with a wide variety ofamusement devices that can be provided on a pouch 224 on the front panel202, or even on the slidable handle 238.

FIG. 12 illustrates a carrying case 200 a that is the same as thecarrying case 200 of FIG. 11, except for the different amusementfeatures noted below. Therefore, the same numerals are used to designatethe same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 11 and 12, except that an“a” has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 12. In thecarrying case 200 a of FIG. 12, an amusement feature can be provided inthe form of a foldable electronic device 250. The electronic device 250(such as one or more of a mini game computer, a speaker, a CD-player, adisplay screen, among others) can be provided on a backing or support252. The backing 252 can be made from a hard fabric, cardboard, or anysimilar material that has sufficient rigidity to support the electronicdevice, yet is sufficiently lightweight. The electronic device 250 canbe provided with a housing (having outer and inner shells) similar tothe speaker unit 90 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and attached to thebacking 252 in the same manner illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Thebacking 252 can have a lower edge 254 that is hingedly connected (e.g.,by stitching 255) to the front panel 202 a at a location such that thebacking 252 can be pivoted to two separate positions: a use positionwith the rear surface of the backing 252 facing the surface 222 a of thefront panel 202 a, and a storage position with the electronic device 250facing the surface 222 a of the front panel 202 a. Removable orreleasable attachment mechanisms (e.g., opposing buckles 256 and latches258, or hooks and straps, or opposing VELCRO™ pads, etc.) can bepositioned along the edges of the backing 252 and the surface 222 a ofthe front panel 202 a to secure the backing 252 and its electronicdevice 250 in either the use position or the storage position. Thus, theuser can conceal the electronic device 250 by securing it in the storageposition, and can then pivot the backing 252 to the use position to usethe electronic device 250.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a carrying case 200 b that is the same as thecarrying case 200 of FIG. 11, except for the different amusementfeatures noted below. Therefore, the same numerals are used to designatethe same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 11 and 13, except that a“b” has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 13. In thecarrying case 200 b of FIG. 13, a game board 260 can be provided on thefront surface 222 b of the front panel 202 b. In addition, an electronicdevice 262 can be retained inside the interior 266 of the carrying case200 b and removed via an elongated opening 264 provided in the top panel210 b. For example, a mini-computer 262 can be provided in a housingthat has a slim profile, and as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, can beinserted via the opening 264 into the interior 266 of the carrying case200 b. A stop wall 268 can be provided in the interior 266 to preventthe mini-computer 262 from falling completely into the interior 266. Ahandle 270 can be provided on the top of the mini-computer 262 andadapted to always extend outside the opening 264, so that the user cangrip the handle 270 to pull the mini-computer 262 out of the interior266 at any time. In addition, a support piece 272 can be hingedlycoupled to the housing for the mini-computer 262 by a hinge 274, such asa piano hinge. Thus, the support piece 272 and the housing of themini-computer 262 actually form a slim and elongated piece that extendsinto the interior 266. The bottom of the support piece 272 actuallyabuts the stop wall 268 when the mini-computer 262 is completelyretained inside the interior 266. When the user desires to use themini-computer 262, the user pulls the handle 270 to lift themini-computer 262, and then pivots the mini-computer 262 about the hinge274 so that the housing of the mini-computer 262 can be placed flat ontop of the top panel 210 b during use, as shown in FIG. 13. Optionallocking mechanisms, such as a strap 278 with a fastener button orVELCRO™ pads provided thereon, can be provided on the top panel 210 b tosecure the mini-computer 262 inside the interior 266 during storage. Asa result, the amusement feature 262 (here, it is a mini-computer) can bestored inside the carrying case 200 b in a manner so that it can beeasily and quickly retrieved without needing to open the carrying case200 b and to separate the other stored contents.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the slidable handle 238 b can beretained inside a sleeve 276 provided adjacent the rear panel 212 b ofthe carrying case 200 b.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate a carrying case 200 c that is the same as thecarrying case 200 of FIG. 11, except for the different amusementfeatures noted below. Therefore, the same numerals are used to designatethe same corresponding elements in both FIGS. 11 and 16, except that a“c” has been added to the corresponding elements in FIG. 16. In thecarrying case 200 c of FIG. 16, an electronic device 280 can be retainedinside a sleeve 282 provided in the interior 284 of the carrying case200 c and removed via an elongated opening 286 provided in the sidepanel 206 c. For example, a mini-computer 280 can be provided in ahousing that has a slim profile, and as shown in FIGS. 16, 17A and 17B,can be inserted via the opening 286 into the sleeve 282 of the carryingcase 200 b. Straps (similar to straps 278 in FIG. 14) can be provided onthe side panel 206 c to retain the electronic device 280 inside thesleeve 282.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17B, the electronic device 280 can have a slimhousing that is hingedly or pivotably coupled to a retainer piece 288via a hinge 290 (such as a piano hinge). The retainer piece 288 isalways retained inside the sleeve 282, with the height of the retainerpiece 288 being greater than the height or length of the opening 286 sothat the retainer piece 288 cannot be removed from the sleeve 282. Theretainer piece 288 has a narrowed portion 292 that is connected to thehinge 290. The narrowed portion 292 has a height which is slightly lessthan the height or length of the opening 286 so that the narrowedportion 292 can extend through the opening 286. Thus, when theelectronic device 280 is to be stored completely inside the sleeve 282,the retainer piece 288 and the housing of the electronic device 280 arealigned in the same plane, and slid into the sleeve 282. When theelectronic device 280 is to be used, the housing of the electronicdevice 280 can be pulled out of the sleeve 282 through the opening 286,and then pivoted (see arrow 294) about the hinge 290 to any desiredorientation for use. FIG. 16 illustrates some possible orientations forthe electronic device 280, with some shown in phantom. The vertical edge296 of the retainer piece 288 that extends from the narrowed portion 292acts as a stop edge that abuts the wall surrounding the opening 286 toprevent the retainer piece 288 from being pulled outside the sleeve 282.A similar stop edge is provided at the bottom of the retainer piece 288adjacent the narrowed portion 292. Thus, the disposition of the retainerpiece 288 inside the sleeve 282 provides the electronic device 280 withthe support and stability needed during use thereof.

Although the principles of the present invention have been illustratedin connection with knapsacks and travel carrying cases, it is possiblefor the principles of the present invention to be applied to any othercarrying case or storage bag so as to enhance the amusement and utilityof such carrying cases and storage bags. For example, FIG. 18illustrates a conventional open-top handbag or tote bag 300 having alight 302 provided on an inner surface 304 of the bag 300, flashinglights 306 provided on an outer surface 308, and a speaker and miniaturePC device 310 provided on the outer surface 312 of a pouch 314 that isattached to the outer surface 308. The electronic devices 302, 306 and310 can be attached to the surfaces of the bag 300 using the principlesillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. A pair of handle straps 316 can beprovided adjacent the open top 318 of the bag 300. Here, the light 302can be used to illuminate the interior of the bag 300, the flashinglights 306 can be used to attract attention (e.g., as an alarm), and thespeaker and miniature PC device 310 can be used for amusement. Thus,each electronic device 302, 306 and 310 can be used to provide animportant safety or amusement function.

As another example, FIG. 19 illustrates a conventional waist pack 330having an electronic device 332 (e.g., a built-in CD-player withspeaker) provided on an outer surface 334 of the pack 330. Theelectronic device 332 can be attached to the surface 334 of thecontainer portion 336 of the pack 330 using the principles illustratedin FIGS. 4A and 4B. The waist pack 330 also has two elongated straps 338that have a buckle and loop connector 340 at the ends of the straps 338for connecting the straps 338. Here, the CD-player and speaker 332 canprovide the wearer of the pack 330 with entertainment during long walks.Alternatively, the pack 330 can be used by a tourist and the CD-playerand speaker 332 can be used to narrate information relating to a touristattraction which the tourist is visiting. Control buttons 342 can beprovided on the CD-player and speaker 332 to allow for control thereof.

FIG. 20 illustrates another conventional open-top handbag or tote bag350 whose open top 352 can be closed by a drawstring 354 retained in asleeve 355 at the top edge thereof. The bag 350 can have a compass 356and a clock or timer 358 provided on a buckle 360 on an outer surface362 of the bag 350. The compass 356 and clock 358 can be attached to thesurface 362 of the bag 350, or to the buckle 360, using the principlesillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The drawstring 354 can be used as ahandle for the bag 350. The compass 356 can be useful in helping theuser to identify the user's location, and the clock 358 provides thetime. FIG. 21 illustrates a conventional lunch box 380 having aninterior defined by a front panel 382, side panels 384, and a rear panel386 interconnected with each other. The lunch box 380 also has an upperlid or cover 388 that can be an extension from the rear panel 386 thatcovers the top opening of the lunch box 380 One end 390 of the cover 388is secured to the front panel 382 by any conventional means used by bagsand handbags, such as by buckles, snaps, hooks, Velcro™ pads, loops, andthe like. A handle 392 can be provided at the top of the cover 388. Afirst electronic device 394 (such as a radio and/or cassette player) anda second electronic device 396 (such as a speaker that can beelectrically coupled to the first electronic device 394 via wiringdisposed inside the lunch box 380) can be provided on the outer surface398 of the front panel 382. The electronic devices 394 and 396 can beattached to the surface 398 of the lunch box 380 using the principlesillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, the radio 394 and speaker 396 canbe used to provide musical entertainment to the person during lunch whenthis person is eating from the contents of the lunch box 380.

FIG. 22 illustrates a conventional tool box 400 having an interiordefined by a front panel 402, side panels 404 and 406, and a rear panel408 interconnected with each other. The tool box 400 also has a lid orcover 410 that can be hingedly coupled to the rear panel 408 forcovering the open top of the tool box 400. A handle (not shown) can beprovided at the top of the cover 410. A first electronic device 412(such as a radio and/or cassette player together with a speaker) can beprovided on the outer surface 414 of the side panel 404, and a secondelectronic device 416 (such as a plurality of touch pads coupled by anelectrical path) can be provided on the bottom surface 418 of the cover410. The electronic devices 412 and 416 can be attached to the surfaces414 and 418, respectively, of the tool box 400 using the principlesillustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, the radio and speaker 412 can beused to provide musical entertainment to the worker during use of thetools contained in the tool box 400, while the touch pads of the secondelectronic device 416 can contain electronic games that provideamusement to the worker during breaks.

FIG. 23 illustrates a conventional beverage chest 430 having an interiordefined by four side panels 432, 434, 436, 438 interconnected with eachother. The beverage chest 430 also has a lid or cover 440 that can beremovably coupled to the top edges of the panels 432, 434, 436, 438 forcovering the open top of the beverage chest 430. A pull handle 442 canbe coupled to one panel 436. A first electronic device 444 (such asblinking lights) can be provided on the outer surface 446 of a sidepanel 432 to provide light to the party or event at which the chest 430is being used, and a second electronic device 448 (such as a radio andspeaker) can be provided on the top surface 450 of the cover 440 toprovide entertainment to the party or event at which the chest 430 isbeing used. The electronic devices 444 and 448 can be attached to thesurfaces 446 and 450, respectively, using the principles illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

Although the FIGS. herein illustrate the amusement features as takingseveral specific forms, it is possible for the amusement feature toinclude any design, item, element or feature that promotes an activity,and can be both electronic and non-electronic. Where these amusementfeatures are electronic in nature (such as, but not limited to,batteries, lights, antennas, screens, touch sensors, on-off pads, andspeakers, among others), it is contemplated that they need to be coupledto a power source to be driven, and may need to be coupled to processorsfor receiving and/or transmitting control, data or other signals. Theseelectrical components and features can be attached to the outer or innersurfaces of the carrying case by either stitching, glue or any otherknown connection mechanisms, in addition to the technique illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B. If necessary, wires can be coupled to these electricalcomponents and power sources and processors for ensuring thetransmission of power and signals therebetween. These electricalcomponents can even communicate with a computer that can be providedwith the carrying case (such as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13and 16), or with a computer at a remote location and in wireless (e.g.,RF) communication with an antenna that is coupled to the carrying case(e.g., as shown in FIG. 11).

Other amusement features that can be incorporated with the carryingcases of the present invention include cellular phones, microphones,musical instruments, radios, zippers, snaps, tethered balls, squeezeitems, pinwheels or spinning wheels, sockets, slap items (i.e., itemsthat emit sounds when slapped), buckles, corks, whistles, pedals, anddoorbells, among others. Thus, the carrying cases according to thepresent invention provide the user with much added utility andeducational value, in addition to an unlimited source and variety of funand entertainment. The enhancements and features allow numerousfunctions, operations, and games to be utilized or played in connectionwith the carrying cases, and significantly extends the usefulapplications of the carrying cases.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A carrying case, comprising: a storage sectionhaving a plurality of panels that define at least one storagecompartment for receiving articles, the plurality of panels including aninner panel having a play surface that extends away from the storagecompartment; a front panel that is removably coupled to the storagesection and covering the play surface; and a plurality of toy piecesthat are used with the play surface.
 25. The case of claim 24, furtherincluding a handle coupled to the storage section.
 26. The case of claim24, further including at least one pocket provided on an inner surfaceof the front panel facing the play surface.
 27. The case of claim 26,further including a rigid pad positioned behind the play surface. 28.The case of claim 27, wherein the pad has at least one pre-formed foldline.